Published on: 2026-07-05
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
July 5, 2026 Culture and Education
Today, teenagers spend several hours a day on the internet. Alongside entertainment and educational content, many of them encounter the so-called “manosphere” – a network of online communities and bloggers who talk about masculinity, relationships, fitness, career, and self-development. However, behind advice on how to become successful or confident often hide misogyny, stereotypes, and ideas of male superiority. Experts from the “UN Women” organization explain why this content causes concern and how parents can discuss this topic with their children.
What is the manosphere?
The manosphere is a collective term for a network of online communities, forums, blogs, and social media accounts united by discussions about masculinity and male identity. Many of them position themselves as platforms where men can talk about relationships, fatherhood, health, or personal growth. However, such communities are often united by a rejection of feminism and the spread of a false notion of men as “victims” of modern society. Instead of support, they frequently promote rigid gender stereotypes, misogyny, and the idea that a man’s value is determined by his power, material success, and dominance over women.
How do teenagers get involved in the manosphere?
Most often, this happens unnoticed. A teenager looks for advice on workouts, self-confidence, or dating. Then social media algorithms begin to recommend similar videos—about how to become a “real man,” earn respect, or boost one’s status. Research shows that accounts created in the name of young men received recommendations with extremist misogynistic content within just 23 minutes, regardless of previous views. Gradually, such content becomes increasingly radical: success is linked with dominance, control, and financial superiority, while failures are explained by the actions of women, feminism, or society.
What should parents pay attention to?
At first glance, manosphere content does not always seem radical. However, over time it can influence how teenagers think, speak, and build relationships with those around them. Experts recommend paying attention to whether the child spends significantly more time on the internet, hides what they are watching, perceives relationships as competition or control, and increasingly expresses dissatisfaction with women or feminism. A worrying sign may also be the appearance of expressions in speech such as “alpha,” “beta,” “red pill,” as well as disparaging remarks about girls and generalizations like “all women are like that.”
© UN Women/P. Watanasiriku Provocative content gets more views, and its creators earn more from advertising, subscriptions, and paid courses
At the same time, the authors of the guide emphasize that individual words or jokes by themselves do not mean that a teenager has come under the influence of the manosphere. Many repeat popular expressions without fully understanding their meaning. Such situations should be used as an opportunity for conversation, not for punishment.
Why does the manosphere attract teenagers?
Many boys and young men seek answers to questions about their own identity, try to cope with loneliness, insecurity, or rejections in relationships, and need support and a sense of belonging. If they do not find understanding at home, at school, or among peers, the internet often becomes such a place.
The manosphere offers simple answers to complex questions and creates a sense of belonging to a community. However, personal difficulties are often explained here by external causes, and frustration and anger are directed against women or feminism.
What lies behind the popularity of such content?
The authors of the guide note that many of the most well-known representatives of the manosphere earn money from their audience. Social media algorithms more often promote posts that evoke strong emotions, so provocative content receives more views, and its authors earn more income from advertising, subscriptions, and paid courses. As a result, simple and often false explanations of complex problems spread especially quickly.
Are all male influencers the same?
No. Many authors, on the contrary, promote ideas of respect, emotional well-being, mental health, and healthy masculinity. In addition, teenagers themselves increasingly critically evaluate such content, refuse toxic communities, or even limit their use of social networks.
UN Women / P. Phutphxeng Research shows that online rhetoric can influence real-life behavior.
Why does this concern not only the internet?
Research shows that online rhetoric can influence real-life behavior. When humiliation of women, sexism, or aggressive statements become the norm in digital spaces, they gradually transfer into everyday communication. For boys, this can mean pressure to conform to rigid notions of a “real man,” and for girls, a sense of insecurity and objectification. Ultimately, everyone suffers: mutual respect and trust decline. The authors of the guide also cite research data indicating that young men who adhere to rigid ideas of masculinity are ten times more likely to commit sexual harassment.
How to start a conversation with a teenager?
Experts advise abandoning bans and accusations in favor of open dialogue. Instead of condemning bloggers or content, it is better to ask the teenager what exactly they find interesting and why. It is helpful to discuss what you have seen together, asking simple questions: “What idea is the author trying to convey?”, “Why did this video become so popular?”, or “Who might benefit from this?” This approach helps develop critical thinking.
The authors of the guide also recommend talking to children more often about emotions, friendship, respect, and healthy relationships, helping them find positive communities and role models. Most importantly, remain calm and maintain trusting relationships. Even if the conversation is difficult, it is important that the teenager knows they can openly discuss such topics with their parents.
Please note; This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of information. It represents an exact report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.